Translator’s Note

At one of his talks at the Brazilian Embassy in Rome, Italy, Haroldo de Campos said: ‘The poetry translator is the poet’s poet.’ He repeated his statement and added: ‘Did you hear me, Regina Alfarano?’ I had the immeasurable privilege of translating Haroldo de Campos and working with him. His statement leads us to the translation of Stella do Patrocínio: ‘Translating Stella is trying, as strenuously as possible, to face the challenge of comprehending her consciousness, her unconsciousness, her images, her imagery, her soul.’ Tentatively. And wishing to be able to reach a level that enables the process of translation. Stella’s language dominates the permeating, pervading images and imagery. The trajectory is at times linear, at times alternate or overlapping, including reports on the past and very few on the future, therefore requiring the process of translating to strive in order to delve into her language expression, her consciousness, her unconsciousness, her feelings, and her soul.